West Hollywood, CA

West Hollywood, California

Introduction to West Hollywood, California

West Hollywood, California, in Los Angeles county, is 7 miles SW of Burbank, California (center to center) and 7 miles W of Los Angeles, California. The population swells during the night hours and on the weekends when residents from neighboring cities show up to enjoy the shops, restaurants and the entertainment. The Halloween and the Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade attract a huge crowd. The city includes a large number of gay-oriented businesses and is one of the prominent gay communities in the nation. West Hollywood also has a large Jewish population. It's a green community and known for being "pet friendly."

West Hollywood History

The Tongva Indians were the original inhabitants. Juan Cabrillo arrived during the late 18th century and claimed the area for Spain. By 1771 disease severely decimated the Indians. Most of the acreage became part of the Rancho La Brea. During the end of the 19th century the town of Sherman was founded. During these years the town began its reputation as being liquor friendly and slightly regulated.

The city later became known as West Hollywood in order to take advantage of the glamour associated with Hollywood. During the 1920's The Sunset Strip became filled with nightclubs and casinos. The town was often visited by well known movie stars. During the late 1960's the Sunset Strip became known for its hippie culture. Later, it became a prominent gay village.

West Hollywood Attractions and Activities

• The well known Sunset Strip includes prominent boutiques, restaurants, rock clubs and night clubs. The strip is known for colorful billboards and is a popular destination for rock and movie stars.
• The Roxy Theater is a famous nightclub which offers well known music performers.
• The West Hollywood Halloween Carnival is regarded as one of the largest Halloween Street parties in the country.
• Christopher Street West is a popular gay pride parade.
• The Pacific Design Center is a unique looking building.
• The portion of Santa Monica Boulevard from La Cienega Boulevard to Robertson Boulevard is often called "boys town" and is one of the world's most popular gay neighborhoods. It features numerous bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
• The Sunset Marquis is a well known hotel which includes the famous Whisky Bar and a recording studio.
• The western portion of Melrose Boulevard has a large number of popular clothing boutiques, antique stores, restaurants and interior design businesses.
• The district near Fountain Avenue, Harper Avenue and Havenhusrt Drive features a collection of Spanish Revival and Art Deco style apartment buildings designed by prominent architects.
• The city includes numerous popular spas.
• The MAK Center at Schindler House features unique architecture.
• Sunset Plaza offers chic boutiques and popular bistros.

The city features a large number of popular venues including the Comedy Store, Formosa Cafe, Hyatt West Hollywood, Barney's Beanery, Whisky a Go Go, The Troubadour, The Viper Room, Rainbow Bar and Grill and it offers well known restaurants such as Lucques, Ago and Morton's.

High Points

West Hollywood strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in California):

Category	Trophy
Well-Paid Single Men (vs. Peers)	Top 1%
College Educated Adults (vs. Peers)	Top 12%
Public Transportation Use (vs. State)	Top 16%
Well-Paid Single Women (vs. Peers)	Top 17%

Comparative Profile of West Hollywood, CA

Comparing West Hollywood to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in California (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Male Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men
Age of the Population
Senior Citizens
Well-Paid Single Women
Racial Diversity
Female Share of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Average Household Size
Portion of People Married

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
People Above Poverty
People in Middle Class or Better
Median Family Income

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Working at Home
Public Transportation Use
Walking and Biking to Work
Short Commute Times

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People Living Alone
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Affordability of Rents
Housing Recently Built
Affordability of Property Taxes

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

West Hollywood Almanac

West Hollywood Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

West Hollywood Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Political Contributions (2004)

Money donated by West Hollywood residents to parties and candidates for the 2004 elections.

by Political Party

by Presidential Candidate

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, West Hollywood, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

West Hollywood Colleges

(List of All California Colleges)

NEW: Community Comments below!